Sharp Renaissance Short Sword Condottiere with Complex Hilt

Sharp Renaissance Short Sword Condottiere with Complex Hilt

Historical Context and Sword Usage

Swords of a similar type appeared at the turn of the 15th and 16th centuries, primarily in the regions of Northern Italy and Southern Germany. During this period, the complex basket hilt with rings and knuckle bows began to replace the simple crossguard to provide better protection for the fingers in close combat, often in the cramped conditions of city alleys or during naval boarding actions. The broad blade with a distinct profile and distal taper was primarily designed for devastating cuts capable of piercing contemporary padded jacks or lighter armor. The originals of these weapons were a sign of status and brutal efficiency.

Thanks to perfectly mastered craftsmanship, this blade is fully functional. The sword is designed for test cutting (tameshigiri) on tatami mats, ballistic gel, or similar suitable targets. The maker uses mainly two materials for the blade for their sharp swords; in this case, it is an excellent spring steel with a hardness range of approx. 49-53 HRC. The fully sharpened edge and robust construction ensure a clean passage through the target.

Safety Guidelines and Warnings

We strongly advise that this is a weapon with a sharp blade. For this reason, the sword is absolutely not intended for historical European martial arts (HEMA) contact fencing, stage combat, or any man-to-man dueling. Using a sharp weapon against another steel weapon would lead to edge chipping and irreversible damage to the sword, not to mention the risk of fatal injury. Using the sword for test cutting is done purely at your own risk. The manufacturer and the seller disclaim any liability for injury or property damage caused by the improper or dangerous use of this product.

Care and Maintenance

To ensure that the weapon serves you well for a long time and retains its flawless appearance, it requires regular care. After each use, even after merely touching it with a bare hand, the spring steel blade must be cleaned and treated with a thin layer of conservation oil to prevent corrosion. The stainless steel hilt can simply be polished with a dry cloth. We recommend occasionally treating the leather on the scabbard with a leather balm containing beeswax. Never store the sword in the scabbard in a humid environment for an extended period, as the leather can draw moisture and cause the blade to rust.

Technical Specifications

Recommended Accessories

For this beautiful sword, we recommend purchasing a high-quality leather belt frog for comfortable carrying and a weapon maintenance kit containing conservation oil and polishing paste.